LGBTQ Short Film ‘HIM+’ Debuts on Tubi After Winning Grand Prize at the HBCU First Look Film Festival

“Stories have the power to change how we see one another & ourselves.” - Chazriq Clarke 

Award-winning short film HIM+ is now available to stream on Tubi. Debuting during Black History Month, HIM+ is one of 20 films created by HBCU students and alumni released as part of Tubi’s partnership with the HBCU First Look Film Festival.

Created, written, and produced by multi-hyphenate Chazriq Clarke, the film follows Chris, played by Justin Banton, a recent college graduate and Black, gay man who must navigate his newly discovered HIV+ diagnosis. Over time, Chris learns to accept his diagnosis as part of his life, but not the definition of it.

Told from a modern perspective, HIM+ is a poignant story that transforms something as life changing as an HIV+ diagnosis, often portrayed as devastating, into a powerful and triumphant moment. “The title HIM+ represents both the medical reality of being HIV positive and the deeper message that a person is always more than their diagnosis”, says Clarke to Gaye Magazine. 

From the film’s earliest concept to distribution, it took a little over two years for HIM+ to come to fruition. The time and dedication invested in the film paid off. At the third annual HBCU First Look Film Festival, HIM+ was awarded the Grand Prize. As a two-time Florida A&M University alumnus, the recognition holds special significance for Clarke. Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldrige, the HBCU First Look Film Festival celebrates HBCU students and graduates, whose creative work continues to push the film, television, and broadcast industries forward. 

“HIM+ was inspired by conversations I had within my community about identity, faith, masculinity, and the realities of living with HIV, particularly for young, Black men. I realized that many of these conversations were happening quietly, behind closed doors, often surrounded by stigma or shame,” Chazriq Clarke tells us.

With proper medication management, support, and care, an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. However, attitudes toward HIV remain largely negative. For many Black gay men, there is a lingering PTSD-like trauma associated with HIV/AIDS. Since the start of the AIDS pandemic, 44.1 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses. In the United States, Black communities are disproportionately affected by HIV, particularly Black women, youth, and gay, bisexual men and this disparity continues to worsen. 

Currently, funding and resources for HIV treatment are being reduced, which will impact Black communities the most. Due to federal cuts to healthcare, 20 states are facing deep budget cuts that could lead to restrictions on HIV care and prevention programs. One of the most direct actions the communities affected by HIV/AIDS can take is strengthening sexual health education and working to reduce the HIV/AIDS stigma. This is precisely what the film aims to do. 

Ultimately, humanity is at the heart of HIM+. Through firm and loving support, Chris begins the journey of discovering his strength and reclaiming his power. He learns to embrace the fear that  comes with his diagnosis without allowing it to consume him. Life can be bleak, but there are always pockets of joy to be found, even in what may feel like eternal darkness. 

It is so important for audiences to watch films like HIM+ that humanize Black people living with HIV+ in an anti-Black culture that is doing the opposite. To expand the film’s reach beyond streaming, Clarke has created opportunities for audiences to engage with HIM+ in person. The film has been featured at screenings, panels, and campus events, with a particular focus on HBCUs such as Howard University, Florida A&M University, and Spelman College. HIM+ will also appear as part of the HBCU First Look Festival’s “How To Be The Next” College Tour, The OUTShine Film Festival, and the Newark LGBTQ+ Film Festival. 

Storytelling is a powerful tool for education. It is imperative films like HIM+ are not only watched, but also discussed by the very communities they are meant to serve. The film encourages those living with HIV, to confront and move through trauma rather than avoid it. Eventually, Chris allows himself to feel the pain he is experiencing, instead of suppressing it, giving himself the power to fully embrace life again.

“I want audiences to walk away realizing that people living with HIV are not statistics or stereotypes…they are individuals with dreams, relationships, faith, and purpose. No diagnosis, label, or moment in life has the power to define someone completely.” 

For more information on HIM+, follow @himplusfilm on Instagram. 

Watch the Trailer Below:

 

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